Arcam CD player history

Starting with the Alpha 9 (97-98), Arcam was using a simplified DCS FIFO DAC under license. Sony Transport.

The CD23 was next (00-01). Same DAC, different chassis and transformer. Not sure about transport.

Shortly after came the CD23T with text. Only difference that I know of was the text capability.

CD33 in 03-04 used dual Burr-Browns for the DAC.

CD36 in 05-06 was an upgrade with the Burr-Brown DAC. I don't know what else changed or what the transport is.

All decode HDCD. A nice feature. The Arcam website used to catalogue all of the older models. More specifics might be available there.

FWIW - I have an Alpha 9 and CD23. Like them very much, but I have limited exposure to other players. I didn't like the CD33 as much. Haven't heard the 36.

I think the used Arcam 9 and 23 are a good value player. I think it is a relatively mass market entry level item and available at a lot of Audio & HT stores. People start there and move up. JMO

Jim S.

Arcam Diva CD73....very musical.I just upgraded to a tube cd.So my beloved CD73 will be available and for sale soon to finance my other purchased.Let me know if interested.

Sorry, the 33 & 36 DACs were/are dual channel 24/192 upsampling Wolfson.

Although I vaguely remember reading that the DCS chips upsampled. I don't know to what speed and word length.

Also, the Diva's are the less costly cousins. I am not familiar with the Diva lineage.

Jim S.

Thank you Stilljd, that is the sort of info I was looking for. The FMJ lines seem to be amongst there better players, is that right? Also, it seems the players that used a version of the DCS Ring DAC seem to be strong units as well....which were those?

I could not find this kind of geneaology on the Arcam website which is why I asked this question. Again thanks to anyone who can offer info on this topic,

I believe the Alpha 9 used the ring dac and I know for sure the FMJ 23 uses it.